In this file frame grab from video, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio takes a sip of water during his Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, in Washington. CREDIT: AP PHOTO/POOL, FILE

Environmentalists were anxiously hoping that Republican presidential candidates would be asked about California’s severe drought and wildfire situation during Wednesday night’s debate, which was held in Los Angeles. In the days leading up to the event, groups had been asking CNN moderator Jake Tapper to bring up the issues, and their connection to human-caused climate change.

Turns out Tapper didn’t even have to ask. In his opening statement, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) mentioned the drought. But instead of talking about its connection to climate change or its devastating impacts, Rubio attempted a joke.

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“I’m aware that California has a drought, so I made sure I brought my own water,” he said, holding up a full plastic bottle.

No one appeared to laugh.

Rubio’s joke was referencing his infamous “water-bottle-gate” moment of 2013. He was delivering the Republican rebuttal to President Obama’s State of the Union speech when he became visibly overwhelmed, and took what many considered to be the most awkward sip of water ever seen.

But the drought itself may not have been the best choice for a joke. Right now, an unprecedented wildfire season driven by drought is raging through the state, displacing thousands. Economically, the University of California Davis estimates the drought has cost California about $2.7 billion this year.